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Notability Basics: Recording Audio While You Take Notes

Tap through the steps in order to see how it works.

  1. Create a new note

    Tap the "+" button to start a new note, and pick a paper style, such as lined or grid, if you want one.

  2. Record audio while you write

    Tap the record button to capture a lecture or meeting's audio while you take notes at the same time, and the app links your handwriting to the moment it was recorded.

  3. Tap a note to replay that moment

    Tapping any part of your notes later jumps the audio playback to the exact moment you were writing it.

  4. Insert photos and documents

    Add a photo taken with your camera, or a document from your files, directly into the note alongside your handwriting.

  5. Why it's useful

    Because your notes and the recording are linked by timestamp, you can revisit anything you missed by tapping the exact note you wrote at that moment and hearing it again precisely.

Write only what matters, replay the rest

You do not need to transcribe every word a speaker says in real time β€” jot down the key points as they come up, and if you need the exact wording later, tap that note and the recording plays back from that precise moment.

Great for lectures, less necessary for quick notes

The audio-sync feature shines in situations with a continuous stream of spoken information, like classes or meetings, but for a quick personal to-do list, a simpler note app without recording may be all you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit to how long I can record?

Recording length is generally limited only by your device's available storage, but longer recordings take up more space, so it is worth clearing out old ones periodically.

Can I use Notability on more than one device?

Yes, it works across phones, tablets, and computers from the same platform, and your notes sync between them through your account's cloud storage.